Authoritarianism is a form of social control characterized by strict obedience to the authority of a state, organization, or individual; the central authority figure often maintains and enforces control through the use of oppressive measures.[1]

Common examples of authoritarianism include:

Authoritarian family structure: children submissive to their parents, with the wife submissive to her husband (or sometimes the husband submissive to his wife)

Note that the former arrangement (wife submissive to husband) is commonly what is meant when a family structure is described as "traditional".

Authoritarian state (or form of government): the people submissive to their leaders, with lower-level officials submissive to a strong central committee or individual.